BASEY, Western Samar May 20 (PIA) – CARD sets a model for
community organization, a model of rural development. This kind of model should
be co-created.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) regional director Minerva BC
Newman shared this observation when asked how she sees CARD’s strategy in
community organizing.
Twenty-two CARD members of Cambabang 2 center in Barangay
Cambabang, Western Samar had the chance to interact with the media partners of
CARD MRI who at the same time participated in its study tour program called
Lakbay Aral held in Tacloban, Leyte and Basey, Western Samar on April 22-23.
Media participants attended the weekly meeting of the center as
part of the Lakbay Aral’s activity. The media exposure aims to allow the
participants gain firsthand experience in CARD MRI’s actual implementation of
its microfinance program.
“Cambabang is very lucky to have media personalities as visitors,
they have been visited by different people from CARD and its partners but first
time for a media group. I'm glad they are able to witness the unique center
meeting of CARD,” shared Albert Avila, Area Manager of one of the areas of
CARD, Inc. in Samar.
Cambabang center was just established on April 10, 2014, five
months after Typhoon Yolanda. According to Avila, many centers were
organized in Samar right after the super typhoon which means an increase in
CARD’s membership.
During the visit, Cambabang center members raised their need of
livelihood training, particularly soap making.
In response, Avila assured them that another series of trainings
will happen in the area not just in Camababang but for the rest of the areas in
Samar especially those that were not able to attend on the previous training
schedules.
CARD had conducted several enterprise developments training in
Samar before and after Typhoon Yolanda, through its training institution the
CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI).
The center chief of Cambabang, Nanay Lonie Estuita also said she
and her center were so blessed to have the media as visitors.
“They gave us hope. We are looking forward that our center will be
able to produce a soap, which will be named after our center – Cambabango
Soap,” Nanay Lonie added. PIA7 director Newman suggested the idea of
Cambabango Soap as name of their products.
“CARD always listens to its clients and are responsive to members’
needs. I am sure that Cambabang, and every CARD members are being heard. I also
thank the management for having this kind of lakbay aral,” Avila stated.
According to Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Founder and Managing
Director of CARD MRI the study tour program called
Lakbay Aral affords every participants
(internal or external) a better understanding
of the mission and vision of CARD
MRI and how they contribute towards the
attainment of the mission goals.
It provides a forum for peer sharing and learning promoting
the value of excellence in both the economic and moral spheres. It is hoped
that the program will also bring delight to its partners.
For the past years, CARD MRI has
conducted Lakbay Aral for its staff,
members and stakeholders. This is the second time CARD hosted a Lakbay
Aral for media since 2014. (mbcn/PIA7/with reports from Raffy Antes/CARD MRI)