SINCE its establishment in 1986, The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) has become synonymous with economic empowerment and poverty alleviation, driven by its unique focus on the “Nanays” of the community.

Nanay is a culturally significant word anywhere in the country. It embodies the values of care, resilience, and selflessness. CARD MRI’s deliberate focus on these women highlights its vision of empowering those who are often the backbone of their families and communities. It stands as a pioneering force in the Philippines’ microfinance and social development landscape, focusing on empowering the country’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women.

Eradicating poverty thru financial services

CARD MRI began as a small non-governmental organization with a clear mission: to eradicate poverty by providing access to financial services for the rural poor. Over the years, it has evolved into a network of institutions that offer a wide range of services beyond microfinance. These include microinsurance, educational programs, health services, and livelihood training. The integrated approach of CARD MRI addresses multiple dimensions of poverty, aiming to uplift entire families and communities through the empowerment of women. Today, the organization serves millions of clients, the majority of whom are women, particularly mothers who play a critical role in supporting their households.

The focus on “Nanays” is a strategic choice rooted in the belief that empowering women leads to broader socio-economic benefits. Women, especially mothers, are more likely to reinvest their earnings into their families, supporting their children’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being. By targeting these women with tailored financial products and services, it fosters a cycle of growth that extends beyond individual clients to impact entire communities.

The organization’s programs are designed to address the specific challenges faced by women, providing them with the tools and resources needed to break the cycle of poverty.

Banking on CARD

A core component of the financial institution’s network is CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented institution that was established to provide accessible and affordable financial services to underserved populations. The microfinance bank shares the broader vision of CARD MRI: a poverty-free Philippines where every family has the opportunity to improve their quality of life.

CARD Bank plays a crucial role in achieving this vision by offering microloans, savings products, and other financial services specifically tailored to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Through its operations, CARD Bank aims to provide a safety net for families, allowing them to manage risks and invest in their futures.

CARD Bank’s commitment to empowering women is reflected in its mission to focus on the poorest of the poor, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking services are scarce. The bank’s community-based approach relies on local organizers who work closely with clients, building trust and fostering a supportive environment.

This personalized service model has been instrumental in reaching women who have been excluded from conventional financial systems. By offering small, accessible loans, CARD Bank enables women to start or expand businesses, providing a pathway to economic independence and stability.

Microinsurance

Microinsurance is another critical aspect of CARD MRI’s services, delivered through CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc. (CPMI), a partnership formed in 2013 with Pioneer Insurance. CPMI was the first microinsurance company in the Philippines, designed specifically to provide low-cost insurance products to low-income families.

The focus on microinsurance recognizes that even small setbacks, such as illness or natural disasters, can have devastating financial consequences for low-income households. By offering affordable insurance, CARD MRI helps women entrepreneurs protect their businesses and livelihoods from unexpected events, providing them with a vital safety net.

Education and training

Education and training are integral to CARD MRI’s empowerment strategy. Beyond offering financial products, the organization invests heavily in capacity-building programs for women, including financial literacy, business development training, and leadership workshops. It also provides scholarships for the children of clients, reinforcing its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education.

These programs equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively, grow their businesses, and become leaders in their communities. The emphasis on continuous learning and skills development reflects CARD MRI’s holistic approach to empowering women and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The impact of CARD MRI’s focus on “Nanays” has been transformative. By empowering mothers and women entrepreneurs, the organization has contributed to significant socio-economic changes within communities. Women who gain access to microloans, microinsurance, and educational programs often experience a marked increase in their income and economic independence.

This financial stability, in turn, boosts their confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to take on greater leadership roles within their families and communities. The ripple effects of these changes are profound, leading to better health outcomes, improved educational opportunities for children, and enhanced overall community development.

Vision: a poverty-free Philippines

CARD MRI and CARD Bank remain committed to their vision of a poverty-free Philippines. Their goals include expanding their reach to more remote and underserved areas, adapting their services to meet the evolving needs of clients, and continuing to innovate in the fields of microfinance and social development.

The organization recognizes the importance of digital technology in expanding access to financial services and is actively exploring new digital solutions to better serve its clients. By leveraging technology, it aims to enhance its ability to provide timely and effective support to women entrepreneurs, even in the most isolated communities.

The collaboration between CARD MRI and international development organizations, such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has been pivotal in scaling its initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and access to global expertise, CARD MRI has been able to enhance its services and reach more clients. Programs like the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) have provided essential support, helping CARD MRI expand its capacity to lend to women-owned businesses and promote gender equality in entrepreneurship.

CARD MRI’s focus on empowering “Nanays” exemplifies its deep commitment to inclusive growth and gender equality. Through its comprehensive suite of financial and non-financial services, it has created a model for sustainable development that places women at the center of its mission.

By supporting women entrepreneurs, the organization not only improves the livelihoods of individual clients but also contributes to the broader socio-economic upliftment of communities across the Philippines. CARD Bank, as a key player within this network, continues to champion the vision of a poverty-free nation, driven by the empowerment of women who are transforming their lives and the futures of their families.

Sweet as pineapple

THE town of Calauan in Laguna is renowned for its pineapple, which has become a symbol of resilience and innovation for many in the community, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives Calauan’s economy forward.

One such entrepreneur is Anna Roselle A. Garcia, a 41-year-old businesswoman who transformed her passion for local produce into a successful enterprise.

She spent five years in Taiwan honing her skills in baking cakes and pastries and later worked as a farmer in Japan. These experiences abroad equipped her with valuable skills and a deep appreciation for hard work, but financial struggles eventually led her back home in 2016 under the “Balik Pinas Program,” a government initiative designed to assist overseas Filipino workers in reintegrating into local communities.

Through the program, Anna received essential support, including an oven, which became the foundation for her new venture. By 2017, she had launched her own cake and pastry business, coinciding with the start of her own family. However, it was in 2018 that Anna’s true entrepreneurial spirit began to shine.

Observing the rising popularity of gourmet fish products, she saw an opportunity to leverage Calauan’s signature fruit. Her innovative twist—incorporating the sweet pineapple into gourmet fish recipes—became an instant hit. She tested her first batch with her family and marketed the product through her sister at the local market, quickly doubling her initial capital. This early success motivated Anna to expand her product line, creating a diverse array of pineapple-based goods.

Anna’s enterprise, now known as Piñana, showcases a variety of unique products, all featuring the distinctive flavor of Calauan’s pineapple. Her offerings include pineapple concentrate, pineapple bars with creative flavors like purple yam, chocolate, and buko pandan, and even a pineapple champoy—a candy made from the pineapple’s eye. Her innovative approach aims to maximize the potential of the fruit, ensuring that no part of the pineapple goes to waste. By tapping into the local heritage and the versatility of pineapple, Anna created a brand that resonates with both traditional and modern consumers.

Despite the growth of her business, the journey was not without challenges. Anna faced numerous hurdles, from financial constraints to difficulties in marketing and promotions. Yet, she remained steadfast, driven by her unwavering passion and the strong faith she held in her vision. Reflecting on her experiences, she shares a powerful message with aspiring entrepreneurs: “Don’t let your challenges define you; let them strengthen you. Your passion and perseverance are your greatest assets.”

Anna’s resilience caught the attention of CARD Bank, Inc., a microfinance institution that provides both financial and non-financial services to its clients. For over 14 years, Anna has been a client of CARD Bank, starting with a modest loan of P10,000, which she used to support her budding business. Over time, as her needs grew, she was able to secure larger loans, reaching up to P100,000. CARD Bank’s support extended beyond financial assistance, helping Anna gain access to broader markets and networks.

In 2022, Anna’s business was introduced to Mga Likha ni Inay, Inc. (MLNI), the marketing arm of CARD MRI, which focuses on promoting and supporting local products crafted by CARD clients. Through this partnership, Piñana’s products were included in CARD MRI Hijos Tours’ Bayong Tour, a unique program that highlights the craftsmanship and offerings of CARD clients to visitors and tourists. This exposure helped Anna reach new customers and broaden the visibility of her brand, reinforcing the strong link between her business and the local heritage.

Today, Anna’s Piñana products—including her signature pineapple bars, champoy candies, gourmet fish, and pineapple concentrate—are sold at her shop located at 327 Ruiliog, Purok 4, Barangay San Isidro, Calauan, Laguna. The products, priced affordably between P50 and P200, have become a favorite among locals and visitors, showcasing the best of Calauan’s agricultural heritage. — from cardbankph.com.