CMDI conducts its annual planning and team building

The CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) conducted a three-day planning and team building activities on July 27 to 28, 2017 at the CMDI Main Campus in Bay, Laguna and on July 29, 2017 in Lucban, Quezon, which was participated by the faculty and staff of CMDI Bay, Laguna and Tagum City campuses and training facilities in Pasay City, Baguio City, and Masbate City.

The activities aim to strengthen the bond among the staff, build stronger working relationships, improve institutional productivity, boost morale, and maximize potentials to achieve the common goals of CMDI— to educate, empower people, and eradicate poverty.

Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Learning and Development and Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs, welcomed the CMDI staff in the general assembly meeting on the first day.

“We should look behind and forward on why we are doing this service,” reminded Ms. Briones. “CMDI is diversifying and because of greater expectations, we must deliver more than what is expected from us,” said Dr. Ramos.

Two days of the event were allotted for planning. The planning highlights the institution’s accomplishments, approved plans, budgets, key strategies and activities, and the key agreements during the 2017 CARD MRI Mid-Year Assessment and Business Planning. A workshop was also conducted to align the plans and activities according to the approved schemes.

CMDI also took the opportunity to have CARD MRI Insurance Agency, Inc. (CaMIA) discuss the “Online System for the Travel Insurance”, which is significant for their faculty and staff.

After the two-day planning, team building activities then followed at Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel in Brgy. Malupak, Lucban, Quezon. “Family Spirit”, one of CARD MRI’s core values, was the focus of the teambuilding.

“I believe that it’s not about competing to win the game, but the teamwork that was showed to achieve the goals,” expressed Mr. Christian Albert Sandoval, Deputy Director for Training in Mindanao.

A lecture and demonstration on “Psychological Debriefing” by Ms. Jennylyn Casano, Registered Guidance Counselor, concluded the event. Counselor Casano discussed the main culprits of work-related stress, benefits of psychological debriefing, and the corresponding coping approaches. “Team building activities are a good outlet to release work stress and tension. And remember to always wear a smile,” she emphasized.

The General Assembly
All CMDI staff gathered at the Function Hall.

Words of wisdom
Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs and Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Learning and Development, gave messages of support and inspiration to the employees.

The reporting
The Unit Heads reported their accomplishments as well as the plans and objectives. (From left to right: Ms. Maridel Manalo, Deputy Director for Finance; Ms. Lourdes Medina, Deputy Director for Publications and Academic Affairs; and Ms. Joselita Lanao, Learning Resource Manager)

Key agreements
Mr. Erasto Panes, Assistant Vice President for Learning and Development, discussed the key agreements during the 2017 CARD MRI Mid-Year Assessment and Business Planning.

CMDI Family
Each staff got the chance to introduce themselves.

Indoor activities
On the night of July 28, 2017, staff gladly participated in various indoor team building activities facilitated by the personnel of Batis Aramin.

Recreational activities
The staff tested their strength and faced their fears in zip lining, rappelling, and wall climbing.

Psychological Debriefing
Ms. Jennylyn Casano, Registered Guidance Counselor, enumerated the strategies to cope with work related stress.

Appreciation
The management of Batis Aramin awarded the Certificate of Appreciation to CMDI.

By Dianne B. Ubaldo