The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc.

Logo of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development

Article by Isaac

History

Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip and fourteen of his colleagues established CARD, Inc. in December 1986 as a social development organization. It began as a simple idea to establish a bank run and owned by landless women. Over time, it developed into an exceptional microfinance institution (MFI) that currently leads the field of MFIs in the Philippines.

With so many Filipino families still living in poverty, CARD Inc. aims to expand the number of households it serves with microfinance services. CARD has dedicated a significant amount of time to developing its methodology since launching its Grameen-style microlending in 1989 in order to accomplish the dual objectives of outreach and sustainability.

The Central Bank of the Philippines granted CARD, Inc. a license to operate a rural bank in 1997, and the company went on to establish CARD Bank, Inc. This was a significant turning point in its history. Clients who have completed microfinance programs and are considered capable of using formal banking services are now transferred to CARD Bank, Inc.

Vision

In order to better the lives of socially and economically disadvantaged women and families and contribute to the development of the nation, CARD MRI is a global leader in microfinance and community-based social development initiatives.

Mission

• Provide ongoing access to financial, microinsurance, livelihood, educational, health, and other capacity-building services to empower socially and economically disadvantaged women and families in order to eventually turn them into environmentally and community-accountable individuals.

• Allow female members to take control of and become owners of institutions for social and financial development

• To enable the success of shared objectives, collaborate with the proper government agencies, businesses, individuals, and community organizations.

Highlights

CARD MRI started on December 10, 1986 with Php 20.00 and the "magic typewriter" where Dr. Alip and his staff started typing proposals for funders.

In 1990, the pioneer staff of CARD, Inc. met with 1984 Ramon Magsaysay Awardeee Dr. Yunus to discuss the Grameen Bank Replication at CARD.

Dr. Alip believes that it isa not enough to provide start-up capital to the poor - you must go where they are, observe how they live to understand their needs, talk to them to hear their aspirations. He comes back from every field visit with a new inspiration, a new idea on how to better serve the poor.

Mr. Alip formulated "10 Dicisions" which evolved into a shorter Members' Pledge recited at the start of every weekly center meeting.

Built with their own resources, a typical center house becomes a venue for social interaction among peers finacial transactions between CARD and its members.

Pillars of Organization

Founder and Chairman Emeritus: Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, PhD

Chairperson: Ms. Lorenza DT. Bañez

President: Aristeo A.Dequito

Corporate Treasurer: Ms. Maria Elena M. Ruiz

Corporate Auditor: Mr. Benjamin C. Lucas, Jr.

Corporate Secretary: Ms. Marilyn M. Manila

Trustee:

Dr. Dolores M. Flores, PhD

Ms. Maria Luise P. Cadaing

Atty. Arnel Paciano D. Casanova

Ms. Flordeliza L. Sarmiento

Ms. Elma B. Valenzuela

Ms. Jocelyn D. Dequito

Ms. Aniceta R. Alip

Ms. Carmelita C. Dapanas

Trustee-Client:

Ms. Ana Liza M. Pacolor

Ms. Haydee G. Eulin

Management Committee Mr. Vicente P. Briones, Jr. (Executive Director)

Ms. Lyneth L. Derequito (Senior Deputy Executive Director)

Mr. Alvin M. Villamena (Deputy Executive Director)

Ms. Lousel Cortes (DED for Finance and Admin OIC)

Mr. David A. Burgos (Assistant Executive Director)

Ms. Gilnora Bahia (Assistant Executive Director)

Ms. Lorelie Alvero (Director for IT Operations)

Ms. Billy Jean Consignado (Director for Admin. and Finance)

Mr. Alexis Garcia (Director for Risk Management)

Ms. Maricel Lim (Deputy Director for DCC)

Ms. Maridel Manalo (Deputy Director for Compliance)

Ms. Marjorie Baldovino (KPlus)

Mr. Jowie Guevarra (Operations Director)

Mr. Samuel Tumbado (Operations Director)

Mr. Louie Silvestre (Operations Director)

Mr. Welland Sales (Operations Director)

Ms. Gina Reyes (Operation Director OIC)

Mr. Jonathan Pondevida (Operations Director OIC)

Ms. Jessica Solosa (Operations Director OIC)

Mr. Windel Dejuras (Operations Director OIC)

Mr. Dondon Mercado (Sr. Regional Director)

Mr. Sandy Bulalacao (Regional Director)

Mr. Ritchel Dacillo (Regional Director)

Mr. Emmanuel Angeles (Regional Director)

Mr. Bieger Taguiam (Regional Director)

Ms. Judith Yeban (Regional Director)

Ms. Jinky F. Mendoza (Regional Director)

Ms. Ronalyn Rosauro (Regional Director)

Ms. Strella de Villa (Regional Director)

Mr. Mariano Blasco (Regional Director)

Ms. Judy Aban (Regional Director)

Mr. Ricky Reyes (Regional Director)

Ms. Luzviminda Dalisay (Regional Director)

Mr. Argel Cabuhal (Regional Director)

Mr. Isidro Guevarra, Jr. (Regional Director)

Mr. Rex Mayol (Regional Director)

Ms. Raquel Bernales (Regional Director)

Mr. Freddie Cuevas (Regional Director)

Mr. Norman John Bulao (Regional Director)

Mr. Raymond Quilit (Regional Director)

Mr. Rannel Aranda (Regional Director)

Mr. Arlo Von Subrean (Regional Director)

Atty. Anatalia F. Buenaventura (Director for Corporate Legal)

Dr. Roderick G. Belen (Director for MAHP)

Ms. Jean Pauline B. Landicho (Director for RM/Partnership/IG)

Awards and Certifications

Year 2019, Certificate of Recognition – Pivotal role as a founding member of Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI) (Microfinance Council of the Philippines)

Year 2019, Plaque of Appreciation – Unwavering support and enduring commitment as an active distribution channel of CARD MBA in its microinsurance programs and services (CARD MBA, Inc.)

Year 2019, Certificate of Recognition – Outstanding Member (score: 8/8) of Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI) 2018-2019 (Microfinance Council of the Philippines)

Year 2018, Certificate of Recognition – Top Employer for the Category Membership Savings Collection (Pag-IBIG Fund)

Year 2018, Country Winner Sustainable Social Enterprise (ASEAN Business Awards)

Year 2018, ASEAN Winner Sustainable Social Enterprise (ASEAN Business Awards)

Year 2016, Certificate of Recognition – Providing accurate, timely and realible data needed by the government for planning, policy and decision-making (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Year 2016 Gawad MFI-Regional Level Winner (Land Bank of the Philippines)

Year 2016, Plaque of Recognition (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Year 2016, Balikat ng Bayan Special Citation (Social Security System)

Year 2014, Global Grade A (Planet Rating)

Year 2014, Pag-ibig top employers for bracket E bracket (Employers with 4,000 and up employee base) Pag-IBIG (Fund Coordinator’s Association )

Year 2013, 1st Nationwide SSS Servicing Partner Agent (Social Security System)

Year 2012 MFI ESG Award for Outreach and Inclusion (Oikocredit)

Year 2009, 13 Years of Microfinance Partnership (People’s Credit and Finance Corporation)

Year 2009, Top District Tax Payer (BIR RDO 55 San Pablo City)

Year 2008, Top District Tax Payer (BIR RDO 55 San Pablo City)

Year 2008, Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service successfully providing self-sustaining financial service for half a million Filipino women and their families (Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation)

Year 2007, Prize for Excellence in Community Economic Development (School of Community Economic Development)

Year 2007, Prize for Excellence (Community Economic Development, SNHU, USA)

Year 2006, Social Entrepreneur of the Year (Ernst and Young)

Year 2005, 2004 AMG 3 Trailbazer Award (People’s Credit and Finance Corporation)

Year 2005, Recognition for contribution to poverty alleviation in NCR and Region IV (People’s Credit and Finance Corporation)

Year 2005, People Power Award (Former President Corazon Aquino)

Year 2003, Special Citation: “Microfinance Institution Partner with the Biggest Outreach” and “Pioneering MFI in the Enhancement of Capability Building of Other MFIs: Luzon (People’s Credit and Finance Corporation)

Year 2003, Plaque of Recognition and Appreciation (People’s Credit and Finance Corporation)

Year 2001, Plaque of Recognition (People’s Credit and Finance Corporation, Asian Development Bank and Associated Resources for Management, Inc.)

Year 2000, Flame of Excellence Award (Coalition for Microfinance Standards)

Year 2000, First Runner-Up for Excellence Award (Grameen Foundation)

Year 1995, Outstanding Counterpart Award (Catholic Relief Services)

Year 1990, Plaque of Appreciation (Presidential Management Staff)