WHAT WE DO
MICROFINANCE & SME Financing
Microfinance and SME Financing
CARD MRI grows with its clients. With landless women as target clients in mind, CARD MRI first offered microloans for small-scale livelihood activities, education, health and agriculture through CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO). After several years of training and educating these women on how to manage their loans, they evolve into businesswomen who are now in need of a formal banking system. Thus, CARD MRI assisted this need through microfinance-oriented rural banks CARD Bank, Inc., and CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. As we further respond to the growing needs of our clients, we also established a bank for MSMEs called the CARD SME Bank, Inc.
Microinsurance
CARD MRI Microinsurance serves as a reassuring beacon of financial security, going beyond traditional insurance boundaries to provide inclusive solution. With a deep commitment to uplifting communities and safeguarding livelihoods, it seamlessly integrates both life and non-life coverage, ensuring individuals and families are protected against unforeseen challenges. In terms of life insurance, CARD's life microinsurance products are designed to provide financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as the death or disability of the insured individual. This coverage helps safeguard the well-being of the insured's family and dependents by offering a financial safety net during difficult times. It ensures that the policyholder's loved ones are provided for, contributing to long-term financial security. Addressing the diverse challenges of daily life, the non-life microfinsurance products of CARD protects homes from natural disasters, secures assets against unexpected events, and safeguards small businesses. This tailored non-life coverage fortifies the resilience of individuals and communities, recognizing that economic stability is linked to the protection of tangible assets.
Islamic Banking
CARD MRI has expanded into Islamic banking with the introduction of the first branch in Cotabato City. Operating under CARD Bank, this move addresses the financial needs of the Muslim community in Mindanao. Complying with Shariah principles, the branch offers Wadiah Deposits and diverse financing options. Collaborating with Islamic financial experts ensures correct implementation, while the branch, designed with cultural sensitivity, includes an Islamic prayer room and modern technologies like the konek2CARD mobile app for a seamless banking experience. This initiative highlights CARD MRI's commitment to inclusive financial services in the Philippines.
Community Development Services
The Community Development Group collaborates with the different CARD institutions to improve access of members to social service in order to It In terms of life insurance, CARD's life microinsurance products are designed to provide financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as the death or disability of the insured individual. This coverage helps safeguard the well-being of the insured's family and dependents by offering a financial safety net during difficult times. It ensures that the policyholder's loved ones are provided for, contributing to long-term financial security. Addressing the diverse challenges of daily life, the non-life microfinsurance products of CARD protects homes from natural disasters, secures assets against unexpected events, and safeguards small businesses. This tailored non-life coverage fortifies the resilience of individuals and communities, recognizing that economic stability is linked to the protection of tangible assets.
Health
Through the Microfinance and Health Protection Program (MaHP), CARD MRI contributes to the communities by providing access to health services. We bring medical practitioners closer to the economically-challenged so that they can avail quality services for free or at a reasonably low price. MaHP also works in close coordination with BotiCARD, Inc. CARD MRI's Generic Pharmacy, to provide our members with affordable and quality medicines. To replicate the success of the health programs of CARD MRI, the "MFIS for Health" was formed in 2013 to engage MFIs in the country and deliver health services to more MFI clients. Through "MFIs for Health", Community Health Days are continuously held all over the country by CARD MRI and other MFIs gather various microfinance members and their dependents together for free medical and dental services. In addition to these efforts, CARD MRI extends its health initiatives through CARD Astro. It enhances healthcare accessibility by offering essential disinfectant products and the like, supporting overall community well-being.
Education
CARD MRI adheres to the belief that through education, change can be achieved. This is why we provide educational assistance and scholarships to our members, their children, and deserving students from indigent and poorest communities. CARD MRI also partners with schools and universities to facilitate scholarships for qualified and deserving students. The CARD Scholarship Program or CSP is one of the programs of CARD serving its members through educational support for their children, whom mostly, have difficulties in sending their children to school. The program was launched in May 2000. For more than a decade, CSP continues to ensure constant improvement on the lives of the student's family. Every academic year, CARD MRI recognizes its scholars who finish their tertiary education with flying colors. With their hard work and perseverance, they graduated with outstanding performance in their different fields of study. CARD scholar graduates are invited to be employed with CARD to continuously provide assistance to their family by providing employment and to enhance deeper sense of service and commitment from the graduates.
Tourism
Established in 2013, CARD MRI Hijos Tours Inc. goes beyond tourism, providing additional support to CARD MRI clients. Through training, workshops, and seminars, clients become knowledgeable tour guides, well-versed in local history and tourism. The initiative also involves local communities, with food suppliers and souvenir providers being CARD MRI members, fostering economic and social empowerment. The successful model has expanded to Samar and Leyte in the Visayas Region, with plans for Panay and Mindanao. The publication of "History of San Pablo, Reviewed, Rewritten and Retold" in 2016 is part of the company's commitment to preserving local heritage.
Publishing
In 2013, CARD MRI introduced the Community Development Group, including Corporate Communications, launching "SULONG" to replace "KILAPSAW" as a comprehensive publication. They created various communication materials, indicating institutional growth. In 2017, CARD MRI established CMPHI, aiming to empower clients through positive stories. "SULONG" became their flagship newspaper, educating millions nationwide and publicly distributed since August 2017.
Information Technology
CARD MRI Information Technology, Inc. (CMIT) is a leading IT services firm offering specialized technology solutions for microfinance, micro-insurance, and related sectors. As a key member and primary technology provider for the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), the largest microfinance conglomerate in the Philippines, CMIT plays a pivotal role in empowering these organizations with integrated IT solutions.
Development Services for the Hardcore Poor
In 2013, CARD MRI decided to reflect on the fundamental purpose of its existence. Through CARD, Inc., the organization revisits the most remote communities via the Development Services for the Hardcore Poor. This program aims to empower impoverished women by providing them with training in financial literacy, subsequently granting them access to financial services to initiate livelihood activities. Distinguished from conventional microfinance, this program stands out for its direct intervention in training participants on how to sustain their livelihood activities. It involves periodic visits and ongoing sessions on financial literacy. The goal is that, following this intervention, the "poorest of the poor" will be well-prepared to engage with formal banking, thereby gaining access to a broader range of benefits and opportunities for themselves and their families.
Disaster Response Efforts
CARD MRI reaches out to those in need as soon as calamities strike. Beyond any obstacle that we may face, our heart to serve our members, their families, and the communities are never unfaltering. From our head office to our field staff, we work hand-in-hand to give assurance to our fellowmen who may be experiencing the lowest times of their lives by providing relief goods, stress debriefing, health missions, and immediate claims payment. and their families.
