By Ivy Tejano
SAN PABLO, Laguna – The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions vowed to continue its poverty reduction efforts in the country, remaining committed to driving meaningful, sustainable change.
At least 15 media practitioners nationwide were recently invited to a “PANAGHIUSA: CARD MRI Exposure Tour Program for Media” to witness the CARD’s progress since it started in the 1980s and the changes it brought to its clients in San Pablo City.
Jeffrey Tandingan, manager of the CARD MRI Publishing House, said the tour program aims to provide media practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of CARD MRI’s mission as the microfinance institution dedicated to fighting poverty in the country.
“Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding that CARD MRI is not just a lending institution, but a social development organization fully committed to assisting marginalized communities in their efforts to improve their quality of life,” Tandingan told the media in a local dialect.
The CARD MRI Publishing House, in partnership with Hijos Tour, two of the 29 institutions of the CARD MRI, toured the media from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to San Pablo City, Sampaloc, and Mojicap Lakes, providing a brief history of the city and about the seven lakes in San Pablo.
During a tour at Mojicap Lake, 34-year-old Marilyn Maghirang, a natural healer, emphasized the importance of taking good care of the country’s flora and fauna. She also discussed and showed how medicinal plants play a crucial role in human health and well-being, which they still practice.
A 58-year-old farmer and cook of the Ylaya at Sta. Elena, Joel Frago, showed the media during lunch how to prepare the one and only “pancit kalabuko,” which he started to make so his wife Myrna could have the opportunity to enjoy eating vegetables. They also shared Ylaya’s success.
CARD MRI introduced the media to its main office, its first branch of the CARD Indogrosir, and its clinic with a laboratory, ensuring its members’ healthcare quality. It also introduced the CARD MRI Development Institute Incorporation, which offers scholarships for its members’ children.
The media also met other CARD MRI’s client members – Mga Likha ni Inay, an institution in San Pablo City that supports all members by helping elevate their handcrafted products; Harito Food Products in Los Baños City; Piñana Store in Calaoanan town; and Nidora’s House in San Pablo.
Marilyn M. Manila, president of the CARD MRI Publishing House, said highlighting the success stories of CARD MRI’s client members is a powerful source of inspiration for the general public to pursue personal and community improvement.
