CMDI celebrates 17 years of empowering people with a heart

The training institute of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI), celebrated its 17 years of empowering people through training and capacity building on Valentine’s day themed “CMDI: An Instrument for People Empowerment, with a Heart” at its campus in Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna.

The anniversary celebration acknowledged the dedication and significant contribution of trainers and resource persons for supporting the institution in attaining high quality practitioner-led training and educational services.

“We are destined to become a university. We are all doing this for the members and their families,” said Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Training and Development, while recalling the humble beginnings of the institution from a simple training unit to an accredited and licensed college institution.

Father John Tabot led the holy mass and school blessing of CMDI.

Mr. Ronel Mendoza, CMDI Teacher in English subject, hosted the anniversary celebration.

The talented CMDI students led the singing of doxology, national anthem, and CARD Hymn.

A video presentation was also played during the celebration where selected training participants shared their appreciation for the educational opportunities and capacity building programs given to them.

“The trainers and resource persons boosted my confidence as an individual,” shared Carmen dela Pena, Application Analyst of CARD MRI Information Technology (CMIT), one of CMDI’s training participants.

According to Dr. Dolores Torres, Dean of the Department of Business and Management, the institution will continue to grow people with a big heart to help the marginalized sectors and eventually eradicate poverty in the Philippines.
“I am really happy to serve as one of the instruments of empowering and nurturing future leaders of CARD MRI,” shared Mr. Alvin Alon, Training Officer from Central Luzon cluster.

Ms. Maridel Manalo, Deputy Director for Finance and Admin of CMDI also shared at the celebration the significant role of their team in supporting the different units to be compliant with the needs of the institution.
“The participants I meet every training helped me to be more patient, humble, and committed,” shared Ms. Minda Mar, English Professor and Resource Person.

Mr. Alvin Alon, Training Officer from the Central Luzon Cluster; Ms. Maridel Manalo, Deputy Director for Finance and Admin of CMDI; and Ms. Minda Mar, English Professor and Awardee shared their testimonial as a capacity building provider.

Ms. Carmen dela Peña, Application Analyst of CARD MRI Information Technology (CMIT) and one of the training participants, expressed gratitude to trainers, resource persons, and CMDI as well.

The pillars of CARD MRI listened attentively to the testimonials. (Front row, from left to right: Dr. Dolores Torres, Dean of the Department of Business and Management; Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CMDI President; Dr. Annie Alip, Research Adviser; and Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, CARD MRI Founder and Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CMDI.)

The program touched the hearts of the audience and to break the emotional ambience, CMDI staff presented intermission numbers. (From left to right: Ms. Dianne Ubaldo, Module Developer; Ms. Ana Rose Cerbito, Finance Admin Assistant; and Mr. Christopher Lloyd Dacles, Computer Instructor.)

“The reason why we wanted this to be on a Valentine’s day because it is out of love that CMDI was given birth and out of inspiration that this institution was built. It is out of passion and our desire to serve the community,” said Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Founder and Managing Director of CARD MRI and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CMDI. “Take all the love that I can give to you that is coming from my heart, happy Valentines’ Day!” greeted Dr. Alip.

According to Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs of CMDI, the major goal of the institution is to develop a community of educated people. “As we look forward to what we can do in the future, let’s start from the basic. Your will, that’s empowerment,” she advised.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates of appreciation to trainers and resource persons led by Mr. Neil Polinag, Training Director and Registrar.

“Our intention is to widen our educational programs that will benefit the whole nation since many people needs our assistance. Let us continue our mission and despite many challenges, we should always be positive in life,” concluded Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CMDI President.

Mr. Neil Polinag, Training Director and Registrar, led the awarding of the certificate of appreciation for the trainers and resource persons. (From left to right: Mr. Feliciano Blanco, Deputy Director for Training of CMDI Luzon Cluster; Ms. Marivic Austria, CARD Bank, Inc. President and CEO, who is one of the awardees also; and Mr. Neil Polinag.

The pillars of CARD MRI inspired the students, staff, and guests at the celebration. (1st and 2nd row, from left to right: Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Training and Development of CMDI; Dr. Dolores Torres, Dean of the Department of Business and Management; Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs of CMDI; Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Founder and Managing Director of CARD MRI and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CMDI; and Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CMDI President.)

CMDI celebrated the birthday of Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Training and Development of CMDI and Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs of CMDI; assisted by Mr. Christopher Lloyd Dacles, faculty member; and Mr. Erasto Panes, Senior Deputy Training Director.

News article by Dianne B. Ubaldo; Photos by Johanna B. Rañola