281 SHS, college students graduate at CMDI Bay

A total of 156 Senior High School (SHS) and 125 college students completed their respective academic journey at CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI) on April 26, 2019.

They are the second batch of graduates of CMDI after its tertiary and secondary registration in 2015 and 2016, respectively, who are now ready to take on another chapter of their lives, as they move forward one step to achieve their dreams.

While still a newcomer in the academe, CMDI is already an established training institute in terms of capacity-building of its staff, members, and other microfinance institutions and practitioners. Later, it became an authorized provider and accredited competency assessment center of TESDA for Microfinance Technology National Certificate II (NC II in MF Tech).

“Our school may still be young but we are proud to have produced a number of graduates already. Our graduates are potential entrepreneurs who will contribute to nation building through job creation and enterprises,” said Flordeliza L. Sarmiento, president of CMDI.

Change is constant

Dr. Edzel Ramos, CMDI Vice President for Learning and Development, also said that CMDI was able to embrace change.

“We have proven that CMDI can embrace change. From a training institute to a TESDA accredited institute and now we are a full-fledged school and soon to be a university. We will continue to soar higher to achieve our goal of poverty eradication by providing high quality and accessible education to Filipinos,” he said.

CMDI provides a high standard of education services that hopes to produce entrepreneurs and development-oriented practitioners who will help the country in uplifting the lives of the socioeconomically-challenged families from poverty.

“The first time I crossed the doorstep of CMDI up until today, I’m truly fascinated by all the opportunities I have experienced. My sincerest appreciation goes out to our teachers who unselfishly share their knowledge to us. Students like me found a better version of ourselves,” said Mary Joy Valencia, ABM graduate.

Tailored-fit financial program

CMDI Chair Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip hopes that this year’s graduates will bring their lives to the next level and achieve their dreams. “They all have promising plans. Some are actually implementing their feasibility study,” he said.

In response to the desire of these students who will venture into business right after graduation, a loan program is already being developed by CMDI. “In collaboration with the financial institutions of CARD MRI, financial assistance will be provided to these future nation-builders,” he added.

If these college graduates opt to work and save money first, CMDI can recommend them to its sister companies under CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of social development institutions that is in the business of poverty eradication. Dr. Alip is the founder and chair emeritus of CARD MRI.

Scholarships are also provided to SHS graduates who want to continue their degree program at CMDI.

CMDI hopes to reach more students in the coming years. “If you know someone who wants to finish SHS or a degree but is financially challenged, you may consider CMDI because we offer affordable access to education and various scholarship programs,” Sarmiento concluded.

CMDI also has a campus in Tagum, Davao del Norte that offers SHS and degree program on entrepreneurship.

The theme for this year’s commencement exercises is ‘’Unity in Diversity: Quality of Education for all”, which featured the role of the K to 12 Basic Education Program in building educated and informed society where the challenges and benefits of diversity are embraced and welcomed by every Filipino.