Facebook contest winner brings community programs to Lingayen; CARD MRI host the event

A CARD Bank center Facebook contest winner paves the way in bringing a range of community development programs in the local community of Lingayen, Pangasinan on May 5, 2017.

CARD Bank Jacoba center from Lingayen won in the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions’ (CARD MRI) 30^th anniversary photo contest dubbed as Kaunlaran para sa iyong bayan.

“In relation to CARD MRI’s 30^th year celebration last December 2016, we would like to extend our gratitude to our clients and the communities that we serve,” Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, managing director of CARD MRI, said.

In a group effort of institutions under CARD MRI, Jacoba center co-hosts a complete community development service for them and for their community. The activities conducted include community health day (CHD), mass wedding, financial literacy for kids called CARDeeskwela, and feeding program.

Ms. Charlita Manaoat, the center chief of Jacoba center, is thankful for all the help CARD MRI has given to them. “Through CARD MRI, we are able to have these activities where not only the members of CARD will benefit but the local community of Lingayen as well,” said Ms. Manaoat.

Community Development Programs

The one day CHD conducted in Lingayen plaza benefitted 386 residents of Lingayen and nearby towns. They received free medical, dental, and optical check-up. “CARD is known in the Philippine microfinance industry. As we always say, ‘we are in the business of poverty eradication.’ We are providing a holistic approach to development. We always consider the needs of our clients and the communities that we serve. And giving them access to free and/or affordable healthcare service through our partnership with healthcare providers and CHDs are part of our effort to help them improve their lives,” Ms. Marife Abela, CARD MRI MaHP Senior Officer, said.

CARD MRI has been providing its healthcare program since 2007 in different communities nationwide.

Meanwhile, three couples tied the knot in the mass wedding facilitated by CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the micro-insurance arm of CARD MRI.  “We provide micro-insurance to our clients and we want our clients’ partners and their children to be covered by their benefits as a member,” Mr. Aristopher Punzalan, CARD MBA Deputy Director for Operations, said.

Several couples showed interest in the mass wedding but on the process of documents and requirements preparation, they experienced difficulty on its completion.

Mass wedding is an additional service given to CARD MRI members who have live-in partners and have been members of CARD MBA. The Association shoulders the expenses in getting the necessary documents for the wedding except the certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR).

Mr. and Mrs. Flory Bentanilla were live-in partners for 15 years because of financial difficulties. “We are thankful for the opportunity CARD MBA has given to us. We hope that you’ll continue this kind of program to tie the knot of more live-in partners,” said Mrs. Bentanilla.

Simultaneously, CARD Bank and CARD SME Bank facilitated CARDeeskwela and feeding program respectively. Sixty CARD members and their kids joined the said financial literacy workshop. It aims to transform the mindset of children about financial management.

“At the end of the workshop, the participants are expected to make wiser decisions on spending their money and start saving,” Mr. Fundard Buncaras, CARD Bank Regional Director, said.

Mr. Buncaras also shared that they need to help the new generation especially those living in poverty to learn the importance of planning and controlling their financial activities and learn to have a wise investment to prepare for their future.

While they were being nourished with knowledge and skills in managing finances, they were also fed though a feeding program. It is a continuous effort of CARD SME Bank to address the issue of hunger in the country. CARD SME Bank has been doing this activity since 2014 and has reached about 1,000 beneficiaries.

In the speech of Brgy. Poblacion secretary Virgilio Cruz, he thanked the organization for bringing a wide range of community development programs for the local residents of Lingayen.

CARD Bank, CARD SME Bank, and CARD MBA are member institutions of CARD MRI that aims to eradicate poverty in the country. CARD MRI is a social development organization based in San Pablo City Laguna serving more than 4.2 million families across the nation.