CARD MRI Hosts Lakbay-Aral to Highlight Microfinance’s Role in Poverty Alleviation

From October 23 to 25, 2024, the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) organized a three-day Lakbay-Aral event in San Pablo City, Laguna, for media practitioners from across the Philippines. The event’s goal was to showcase how microfinance plays a vital role in poverty alleviation in the country.

As part of its sustainability initiatives, CARD MRI Publishing House invited participants to take part in a coin bank painting activity. The colorful, hand-painted coin banks created during the event will be given to the children of CARD MRI clients, encouraging them to develop early savings habits.

A Taste of Filipino Culture and Heritage

The event also featured a Ube Halaya (a popular Filipino dessert made from purple yam, butter, and condensed milk) and Pancit Kalabuko, a farm-to-table dish prepared by Chef Joel Frago of Ilaya at Sta. Elena, San Pablo City. Participants had the chance to experience the rich flavors of these traditional Filipino dishes while learning more about the local culture.

Discovering CARD MRI’s Impact

Throughout the event, attendees learned about the various programs of CARD MRI in microfinance and heritage tourism. The group visited key CARD MRI institutions, including:

• CARD Clinics
• CARD Indogrosir Shopping Mart
• Mga Likha Ni Inay Coffee Shop
• CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI) Main Campus

One of the event’s highlights was the Lagos and Bayong Tour facilitated by CARD MRI Hijos Tours. This community-based tour offered a deep dive into San Pablo City’s history, showcasing local businesses and promoting CARD MRI’s efforts in community empowerment.

Strengthening Media Partnerships

Ms. Marilyn Manila, President of CARD MRI Publishing House, emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating poverty. “The media plays a crucial role in amplifying our message of hope and empowerment through our financial and community development programs,” she said.

The event culminated in the soft launch of the Gintong Tambuli Awards, which will take place in 2025. This award will honor the dedication of media partners who have supported CARD MRI’s mission of poverty eradication. “Through this award, we recognize the media’s vital role in spreading awareness and inspiring action toward positive change,” added Ms. Manila.

Media Participants

The Lakbay-Aral event was attended by 15 media practitioners from across the country, including representatives from Mindanao Journal, Daily Guardian, People’s Guardian, Mindanet News, Boracay Island News, Pilipino Mirror, and several media partners from South Luzon. Their participation underscores the importance of media in spreading the word about CARD MRI’s transformative work in communities.

CARD MRI: A Commitment to Eradicating Poverty

CARD MRI members, including CARD Clinics, Mga Likha Ni Inay, CMDI, CARD Indogrosir, CARD MRI Publishing House, and Hijos Tours, share a unified goal: to eradicate poverty. Since its founding in 1986, CARD MRI has been making significant strides in improving the lives of Filipinos nationwide, through innovative programs in microfinance, healthcare, education, and sustainable tourism.

Learn more about CARD MRI’s programs and how they are making a difference in communities across the Philippines.