CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions Graduate Programs & Internships

VISION CARD MRI aspires to be a global leader in microfinance and community-based social development initiatives that enhance the quality of life for socially and economically disadvantaged women and families, contributing to nation-building.

MISSION CARD MRI is dedicated to:

• Empowering socially and economically disadvantaged women and families by providing continuous access to financial, microinsurance, educational, livelihood, health, and other capacity-building services. These services ultimately transform them into responsible citizens, benefitting their community and the environment.
• Enabling women members to gain control and ownership of financial and social development institutions.
• Collaborating with relevant agencies, private institutions, people, and community organizations to facilitate the achievement of mutual goals.

Our History

Beyond Microfinancing: The History of CARD MRI

Following the People Power Revolution in 1986, the founder, along with 14 rural development practitioners, embarked on realizing a vision to establish a bank owned and managed by landless, impoverished coconut farmers. With an initial capital of twenty pesos, a modest office furnished with an old desk and three chairs, and a battered typewriter, the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) was founded.

CARD initiated a blend of training and livelihood programs for landless coconut workers in San Pablo City, Laguna, under the Landless People's Development Fund (LPDF). These early initiatives included activities such as cow dispersal and deep-well installation. The first program support of USD20,000 was extended by Professor Takayoshi Amenomori, then Secretary-General of the Asia Community Trust (ACT).

Over time, it became evident that the interventions, while beneficial, did not produce lasting change in the communities served. It was during this period that CARD's founder and colleagues began reevaluating their approach to addressing poverty in economically distressed areas. They recognized that escaping the clutches of poverty required more than training and livelihood assistance. The realization was that individuals needed a pathway to build assets, and it was through asset ownership and control that empowerment in various forms could materialize.

"Only by creating a vehicle for asset ownership can we ensure that the poor will gain control over their own resources and destiny."

The 5-8-40 Direction

In 2015, CARD MRI introduced the 5-8-40 Strategy, aimed at providing microfinance and social development services to eight million clients and positively impacting 40 million individuals within five years. This strategic shift underscored CARD MRI's commitment to reaching even the most remote communities, leading to the establishment of more branches, micro-banking offices (MBOs), and unit offices in underserved islands, towns, and municipalities. CARD MRI's distinguishing characteristic lies in its relentless pursuit of hard-to-reach communities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Our Team

MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND

The CARD MRI team is a dedicated group of individuals, from rank-and-file employees to senior executives, whose commitment knows no bounds. Many of the executives and senior officers bring over 30 years of experience in managing and operating a social enterprise. Their diverse educational backgrounds and disciplines serve as effective tools in achieving CARD MRI's mission. Like a well-oiled machine, they work in perfect synergy toward a common goal: eradicating poverty in the Philippines.