CARD MRI from a Japanese Point of View

“The bigger you grow, the more people you get”, said Professor Takayoshi Amenomori, member of the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) Family Council, as he delivered a seminar entitled, “CARD MRI Past, Present, Future: From a Perspective of a Japanese” on February 28, 2017 at the CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI), Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna.

Dr. Dolores Torres, Dean of the Department of Business and Management, welcomed the students and staff where she introduced one of the major personalities in CARD MRI’s success, Prof. Taka, as he is fondly called. “He makes sure that we are true to our mission—poverty eradication,” she added.

Prof. Amenomori first trusted and funded CARD MRI when he was then the General Secretary of the Asian Community Trust (ACT) of Japan in 1988. “We received an elegant letter from Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Founding and Managing Director of CARD MRI, proposing financial support that aims to help the landless rural people and poor women.” With the clear vision and strong intention in empowering the less fortunate and marginalized sectors, the funding institution granted the proposal of Dr. Alip.

A Japanese point of view
Prof. Takayoshi Amenomori, discussed his involvement with CARD and the valuable experiences and learnings he acquired. (Photo by Johanna B. Rañola)

He also shared his experiences with CARD MRI from its founding to its current transformation. “I didn’t imagine and foresee that CARD MRI will expand like this because many years ago the institution faced many struggles,” he added.

According to Prof. Amenomori, family spirit is unique in CARD MRI because it strengthens unity, loyalty, and devotedness among its staff. He also enumerated the different characteristics of CARD MRI such as creativity, love of innovation, self-reliance, passion, and excellent leadership which allows democratic process of center meetings and respond to the needs of its members.

Students and staff were given an opportunity to ask the professor in an open forum after his presentation, which he gladly answered.

“Without Taka, CARD MRI will not reach this significant milestone we have now,” said Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CMDI President.

Delighted staff and students had a photo opportunity with the esteemed professor, which concluded the 2-hour event.

Rare Opportunity
Staff and students were given a chance to ask questions in an open forum. (Photos by Johanna B. Rañola)

Gratitude
Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CMDI President, in her closing remarks, appreciated and acknowledged Prof. Takayoshi Amenomori’s remarkable contribution to the success of CARD MRI. (Photo by Johanna B. Rañola)

The Awarding
Prof. Takayoshi Amenomori, member of the CARD MRI Family Council, received certificate of appreciation for his valuable contribution as resource person. (From left to right: Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Training and Development; Dr. Dolores Torres, Dean of the Department of Business and Management; Prof. Takayoshi Amenomori, member of the CARD MRI Family Council and Resource Person; Ms. Flordeliza Sarmiento, CMDI President; Dr. Lorenza Bañez, Dean of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy; and Dr. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs. (Photo by Johanna B. Rañola)

Remembrance
The program concluded with a photo session. (Photos by Johanna B. Rañola)

By Dianne B. Ubaldo