The Reward of Studying Hard: DAP awards 39 CARD-MRI Staff
“It’s a great opportunity because not everybody could have master’s degree, especially it’s free. As we go along, the great learnings can be implemented in our daily work; and as part of our career growth, it is very essential for us to have this degree so that we can empower more our members,” — expressed Jerry Montejo, the Batch 4 class president of the Master in Productivity and Quality Management major in Microfinance of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), after the Certificate Awarding Ceremony held in CARD MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) Auditorium, Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna on October 27, 2016.
The said program aims to recognize and acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of the 39 students as they tread the path in finishing the said master’s degree. The awardees are senior staff members of CARD MRI who are sent to school. Education is one of the opportunities given by the institution. “It’s quite hard because we have to do a lot of trainings, to work, and to put up our studies, but we have learned how to organize our schedules. Not just the schedules, since we also have families so we have to deal with family matters. It is just a matter of organizing things to accomplish everything,” he said.
Moreover, the DAP Committee, guest speakers, CMDI staff, and students attended and witnessed the event, which started with the singing of the national anthem and invocation by the CMDI students.
In his welcome remarks, Bernardo A. Dizon, DAP Senior Vice President for Services, cited DAP’s objectives and its approaches to national development and then congratulated the graduates. On the other hand, Dr. Dolores M. Torres, CMDI Vice President for Corporate Affairs, expressed her deep gratitude for the partnership with DAP. “We are truly committed in providing education to our staff and members as well; this commitment would be forever to achieve our dream,” she said.
According to Maria Victoria DV Gummert, Acting Director of the Institute of Productivity and Quality Management, DAP offers educational programs that are ladderized based on different approaches and models. “This is it, you have already made through the first step of the ladder and you are almost there. In April or March, we will see you for the final hurdle so good luck and congratulations,” she said. The students have finished the core, foundation, and major courses in microfinance, and done with the defense of the proposed dissertation. Thus, by next year, DAP is expecting the students to accomplish their dissertation — a key to graduation. Afterwards, the presentation of candidates and conferment of awardees followed.
Further, everyone in the auditorium especially the awardees, listened intently to the keynote address of Atty. Marlonfritz B. Broto, Director IV, Good Governance and Anti-Poverty Cluster, Performance and Project Management Office of the Cabinet Secretary, where he praised CARD MRI and DAP as known institutions for innovation, centers of excellence, and fulcrum for change. He also asserted that these institutions should pursue its passion to develop characters; to produce life leaders; to take a lead to innovate strategies, to improve lives; and to combat corruption. “While we do aspire for our success and excellence and persevere our individual and collective dreams, there is one thing that we should not forget — the values of life,” said Atty. Broto.
Lastly, everyone joined in singing the CARD MRI and DAP Hymn; and the program culminated with a photo session.
-Dianne B. Ubaldo